Triumph Unveils Three New Models for 2012

A 1200cc Adventure-Tourer among the highlights

After a record-setting sales year in 2011, Triumph is set to celebrate its 110th anniversary in 2012 by introducing three new models. The following is a sneak peak at these new motorcycles with the information we know so far. Triumph will officially unveil each new model, complete with technical details, at the EICMA show in Milan November 8.

Tiger Explorer

Triumph’s Tiger 800 and Tiger 800 XC were met with positive reviews from consumers and journalists alike. Indeed, the latter even narrowly edged out the BMW F800GS in our Adventure-Touring Shootout earlier this year. Not to be outdone however, for 2012 Triumph is introducing the Tiger Explorer as its flagship model in its adventure range.

Powering the Tiger Explorer is a 1200cc inline-Triple, which will likely be based on the 1050cc three-cylinder seen in the Speed Triple, bored, stroked or both to achieve the new displacement. It will be shaft-driven, feature a new “fly-by-wire” throttle and cruise control. The new bike will also have switchable ABS and traction control for better off-road prowess. Chassis is made from steel, with 19-inch front and 17-inch rear alloy wheels. A single-sided swingarm shows off the latter.

A host of factory accessories are being developed alongside the Tiger Explorer, including both hard and soft luggage, low and high seat options and a range of heated electrical accessories, which can all be run simultaneously thanks to the Tiger’s best-in-class 950-watt generator. Triumph has priced the 2012 Tiger Explorer at $15,699. Expect to see it arriving in showrooms in May.

Speed Triple R

Within the past year, Triumph’s Daytona 675 and Street Triple have gotten the R model treatment with higher-spec suspension, brakes and wheels. Not to be outdone, the iconic and redesigned Speed Triple now gets the R suffix added to its name. Similar in scope to the Daytona and Street Triple, the Speed Triple R sports the latest NIX30 43mm fork in front and TTX36 shock in the rear (both courtesy of Ohlins). Lightweight five-spoke forged aluminum PVM wheels shave almost four pounds from the standard wheels, which is sure to improve handling and stopping power. Speaking of which, brakes are courtesy of Brembo and its four-piston radially mounted monobloc calipers. Switchable ABS is also available as standard.

Color options are limited to Phantom Black and Crystal White to match the livery of the Daytona and Street Triple R. Likewise, along with the iconic gold forks, the rear subframe is now painted red.

Triumph is pricing the Speed Triple R at $15,999, a $4,000 premium over the base Speed Triple (or $3,200 over the ABS-equipped Speed Triple). The 2012 Triumph Speed Triple R arrives at dealerships in March.

Bonneville Steve McQueen Edition

Yes, folks, Triumph is taking full advantage of its heritage - and the fact Steve McQueen insisted he ride a Trophy TR6 in The Great Escape - to produce a commemorative version based on the Bonneville T100. Working in conjunction with McQueen’s estate, just 1100 Bonnies worldwide will get the Steve McQueen treatment. This includes a military-style matte khaki green livery, stencil-style Triumph decal on the tank and the actor’s signature on the side covers.

Featuring a solo seat and black luggage rack, the McQueen bike has also been fitted with a skid plate and small black-bodied headlamp. The Triumph Steve McQueen Edition features a host of other blacked-out components, including wheel rims and hubs, handlebars, rear springs, mirrors and front mudguard supports. To ensure each bike’s authenticity, each machine is individually numbered with a plaque placed on the handlebar clamp, while owners will also receive a certificate of authenticity with their machine.

The Steve McQuen Edition Triumph Bonneville will be available in June for $9,999, compared to the $8,599 for the all-black Bonneville T100 and $9,099 for the two-toned version of the base model.

Again, full details on these, and the rest of Triumph’s 2012 lineup, will be unveiled at Triumph’s press conference November, 8 2011 at the EICMA show in Milan.

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